Seems like a nice woman and having women involved is a big plus but this young lady is always dead last! Spiders daughter is much faster as are alot of just the NESBA girls. Not a personal attack but some one help me understand why this is happening. :banghead:
Why does a back marker get to keep racing pro level AMA?!?!?! Because she's cute? Because she's got a big financial baker? Who is she related too or who is benefiting by having her out there? Year after year she's always at the back! :wtf: Kawasaki could easily find another female that is actually improving and interesting to follow and watch. Brian Hall crashed or got off (didn't see it because we were in turn 5 at Road Amaerica) and within 2 laps he caught and passed Jessica! Half the damn amatures at Blackhawk are faster than her!
That's my .02
Discuss
Uh-oh.... search her name on the WERA board. If you want some "discussion" about it, there's been some good ones over there.
Is it too early to for me to say that I like pie?
George
Quote from: George_Linhart on June 04, 2007, 04:21:26 PM
Is it too early to for me to say that I like pie?
George
It's just a little early (since there haven't been any slams yet). I think you'll have to serve a stop and go penalty! :)
she shows up, she pays her money, she qualifies (sometimes)... Kawasaki must see a benefit, or she's a helluva sales person. One way or another she has postioned herself to be a part of the show.
Quote from: r1owner on June 04, 2007, 04:04:55 PM
Uh-oh.... search her name on the WERA board. If you want some "discussion" about it, there's been some good ones over there.
You're not kidding R1. Alot of opinions and some trashing too!
http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?p=757876
Quote from: r1owner on June 04, 2007, 04:28:40 PM
It's just a little early (since there haven't been any slams yet). I think you'll have to serve a stop and go penalty! :)
No trashing by me. I don't know her well enough to do that. The more I read on WERA though the more I see I'm not the only one confused.
Correct me if I'm wrong but if you're fast enough to qualify within the %110 of the pole then you've earned a grid spot right? So, I'm just guessing but I'd say she was racing because she earned that spot in qualifying.
hey now, she still has to make the qualifing cut off and shes out there regardless what alot of us think on who should or shouldnt be out there, ive always looked at it like this- theres 15to20 guys who belong out the rest is a field filler and those guys who "fill in" could kick my ass anyways
just let her race till she feels shes done and although some people agree bringing this subject up on a public board and making feel like shit is kinda lowdown hell shes probably faster then me
Quote from: funsizeracing on June 04, 2007, 04:35:40 PM
Correct me if I'm wrong but if you're fast enough to qualify within the %110 of the pole then you've earned a grid spot right? So, I'm just guessing but I'd say she was racing because she earned that spot in qualifying.
You really need to read this thread --- http://forums.13x.com/showthread.php?p=757876
"Back in the 80's, I remember that there was a fairly well known provision called the "Promotor's Option". It gave the race promotor the right to install up to three racers of their choice on the grid. Most likely there for the local heros to be included, or any other interesting racer. I remember Kathleen Coburn being on the grid for the 1986 Loudon Classic through this provision.
Fast forward to a few years ago in Daytona. Steve DeCamp arrives with his normal three rider Hooters team, plus Kathleen Coburn-Head, who hadn't been seen roadracing for about 10-15 years. She was a little rusty, so she wasn't really back up to speed. At the end of qualifying, she was 81st in the standings, the first rider not to make the cut. Steve argued at the riders meeting that not all of those who qualified would show up to race, he wanted them to let her in one of the vacant slots that was sure to show up. The AMA said no, so Kathleen packed up her stuff and left. I heard a rumor that not long after she was gone, officials were looking for her. Seems that she was going to be included in the race under the Promotor's Option."
Mike, am I right to say that your real question here is:
"Why does she get the support which I cannot?"
If that's not your question, it should be because that's what it boils down to. She races because she can. She's more than entitled to it, just as I am and you are. And just as I'm faster than some who are racing AMA, there are some novices who can still beat me. It's the name of the game man...
She maintains her sponsors because she is extremely marketable.
Take a look at Michelle Wie:
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/53/4ZKC.html
Out of that $17M, only $750k are 'salary/winnings'. The rest is ENDORSEMENTS! She is marketable. Doesn't win, but sells products.
And Cheerleading that Rhiannon should get Jessica's backing is senseless because then you can line up another 100 people faster than Rhiannon, and others faster than them, and so on and so on.
Bottom line, she found a niche, or a niche found her and she's capitalizing on it. I say more the power to her. I really enjoyed seeing her out there signing autographs with a HUGE line waiting.
Don't be hatin. :-)
Quote from: Jeff on June 04, 2007, 04:47:32 PM
Mike, am I right to say that your real question here is:
"Why does she get the support which I cannot?"
If that's not your question, it should be because that's what it boils down to. She races because she can. She's more than entitled to it, just as I am and you are. And just as I'm faster than some who are racing AMA, there are some novices who can still beat me. It's the name of the game man...
She maintains her sponsors because she is extremely marketable.
Take a look at Michelle Wie:
http://www.forbes.com/lists/2006/53/4ZKC.html
Out of that $17M, only $750k are 'salary/winnings'. The rest is ENDORSEMENTS! She is marketable. Doesn't win, but sells products.
And Cheerleading that Rhiannon should get Jessica's backing is senseless because then you can line up another 100 people faster than Rhiannon, and others faster than them, and so on and so on.
Bottom line, she found a niche, or a niche found her and she's capitalizing on it. I say more the power to her. I really enjoyed seeing her out there signing autographs with a HUGE line waiting.
Don't be hatin. :-)
+1
Iam sorry I ve gottaget this off my chest - IF EVERYONE WOULD JUST RACE FOR FUN INSTEAD OF BEING SO CONCERNED ABOUT LAP TIMES AT BLACKHAWK OR WHY ISNT THIS GIRL RACING FOR THAT TEAM, SHES BETTER THENHIM OR HER,................................................... MAYBE JUST MAYBE WE WOULD HAVE MORE PEOPLE ON GRIDS THAN WE DO, because newbies wouldnt be so intimadated.
after all the blkhk lap times drama I remember why i wanna race an Sv again, because people who get wacked at an Ama race win on club level and think their shit dont stink in middlewieght classes
Jeremy-get off this thread and respond to my email :biggrin:
As far as Jessica, she qualifies, she belongs on the grid. As for the Kawi deal-I'm sure that was a hell of a lot of work to get done, so good for her. I wish I could score a deal like that, but I'm lazy and have accepted that.
BTW, Anybody want to sponsor me? :biggrin:
I'm not hating and I haven't raced in a few years because I don't have the cash anymore. (Thanks new home. ::) ) This isn't a poor me thread either. But to my question, this isn't her first year either. She barely qualifies and is usually last. After 3 years of this she hasn't improved one bit. Give someone worthy a shot.
This isn't a local CCS race Jeremy. It's a national pro AMA event. I think the more the merrier for club racing but this is televised pro level competition.
jack ive got wife working on it now- pictures and such :)
I know but the enties are down even in the pros\ama and the elite are gonna quite someday thats all.
Quote from: mike_rbm on June 04, 2007, 03:59:46 PM
Why does a back marker get to keep racing pro level AMA?!?!?! Because she's cute? Because she's got a big financial baker?
Wow! Is there any other reason? Not sure I really want to know.
Quote from: Jeff on June 04, 2007, 04:47:32 PM
Mike, am I right to say that your real question here is:
"Why does she get the support which I cannot?"
+1
Sounds like jealousy raising its ugly head. Kawasaki (or any other sponsor for that matter) can sponsor who ever they want to. This post is no different than the freaking posts on Nicky Hayden on other sites with people bitching about Honda keeping him.
If you want high-dollar sponsors, get out and market yourself.
Quote from: mike_rbm on June 04, 2007, 03:59:46 PM
Seems like a nice woman and having women involved is a big plus but this young lady is always dead last! Spiders daughter is much faster as are alot of just the NESBA girls. Not a personal attack but some one help me understand why this is happening. :banghead:
This happened from the results of JZ's work.
Since Rhiannon's name got brought up, I guess I'll jump in here.
Everyone who is a privateer in the AMA has to struggle to make it as far as they have gotten. Sometimes Jessica qualifies, sometimes she does not, same with a bunch of male privateers, but unless you went back to each race and figured out who they are, you won't be talking about them.
Jessica is a female, and the fastest growing sector in the MC business, be it bikes, parts or apparel is "Ta-da!!!"...WOMEN! So Kawi backs her. Maybe one day Rhiannon will land a sweet deal as well. But since she builds her own motors, paints her own bikes, and drives herself to the track and back, she doesn't get the flack the JZ does. If a deal does come together, she will probably be under the same microscope. Somehow, I don't think that will be a very comfortable place to be.
All the racers out there deserve some credit for getting to the level to obtain a pro license, regardless of their race, creed, or gender.
yea but even though she is gettign dead last if i remember correctly that superbikes TV show on Speed did a nice little segment on her, giving huge TV time to kaw. So although I agree that there are faster women out there and those women should get a shot at showing the world women can be just as fast as guys. Kaw. must see a bennifit in keeping her on the payrole and for her. Shes just living the life, if they will pay then why not keep on doing it, more power to her.
I'm exciting to see ellen myers in the future. cus she has loads of potential. ( I duno if I spelled her name right but you guys know who I am talking about)
why do people throw out sponsorships? according to Wikipedia...
"To sponsor something is to support an event, activity, person, or organization financially or through the provision of products or services. A sponsor is the individual or group that provides the support, similar to a benefactor. Sponsorship typically benefits both the recipient (by providing material benefits) as well as the sponsor (as a marketing tool that enhances the sponsor's public image and provides access to a wider audience)."
paying special attention to the last part... "enhances the sponors public image and provides access to a wider audience". Factory/Graves yamaha, Monster/attack Kawasaki, American/Erion Honda, Yoshimura/M4 emgo and the like all spend money on "fast" guys as they tend to get the most exposure, lets face it, front runners get the TV time.
Zalusky adds a unique twist that clearly rubs some folks the wrong way. Nope, she's not a front runner, but she is an abassador of the sport. Well known in the racing community and bottom line, (as mentioned) is marketable and "in the spotlight". Even if for no other reason than the reason this thread was started... she is still creating a buzz. She promotes herself better than the average joe and reaps the rewards. She is rewarded because kawasaki (at least feels like) they get a return on the investment. Perception is reality and the wheel keeps spinning.
yeah there are "faster" folks than her... but do they have anyone that is "more marketable" than her now? Apparently either:
A. Kawasaki feel's they get their money's worth or
B. They havent been presented with any better options.
Its not a speed issue... its a visibility issue. she is visible in the market where someone like (literally just picking a name out of the superstock finish) David Weber may not be... but is clearly faster... If Kawi and her other support didnt feel she was "worthy" they wouldnt be spending money on her "advertising".
I personally dont think the McDonalds "I'm lovin it" commercials are appealing... or worthy, but if it sells more big mac's why stop? thats the company's decision. Its business, not racing.
she did earn her license
hopefully one day i am as slow as her
I was at Laguna last year. I spent a lot of time in the paddock and whenever I observed her, she was usually chatting with fans, more often than not female. From what I have heard, Kawasaki is looking to increase their sales numbers to female customers. Jessica seems to fit the bill perfectly.
Here's something to think about, almost every time i walked past JZ's pits this weekend i saw her signing some little girls shirt. that little girl is now a fan and will want to come watch JZ every year and maybe some day she will want to buy a bike, why not buy one just like her favorite racer JZ is riding. Maybe thats why sponsors like her. Just my 2-cents
Quote from: mike_rbm on June 04, 2007, 04:47:15 PM"Back in the 80's, I remember that there was a fairly well known provision called the "Promotor's Option". It gave the race promotor the right to install up to three racers of their choice on the grid. Most likely there for the local heros to be included, or any other interesting racer. I remember Kathleen Coburn being on the grid for the 1986 Loudon Classic through this provision.
Fast forward to a few years ago in Daytona. Steve DeCamp arrives with his normal three rider Hooters team, plus Kathleen Coburn-Head, who hadn't been seen roadracing for about 10-15 years. She was a little rusty, so she wasn't really back up to speed. At the end of qualifying, she was 81st in the standings, the first rider not to make the cut. Steve argued at the riders meeting that not all of those who qualified would show up to race, he wanted them to let her in one of the vacant slots that was sure to show up. The AMA said no, so Kathleen packed up her stuff and left. I heard a rumor that not long after she was gone, officials were looking for her. Seems that she was going to be included in the race under the Promotor's Option."
That's my post, Mike. They are now moot points under the qualifying time cutoff rule.
Loudon was one of the shorter tracks on the AMA tour, so the grid was set at 35 bikes instead of the normal 40 that were run at the other tracks. There was no cutoffs back then and the rules stated that the promotor could add up to three entries.
As far as Daytona, the AMA was waffling on enforcing the cutoff % for a few years. The guy I crewed for in 1997 had dificulty getting his bike sorted out. His best lap time was over three minutes, but he was 79th fastest, so he made the grid! (He finished 39th, beating "Kiwi" Steve Vasblom!)
"Promotor's Option" is a thing of the past.
I think there are some options out there. Mid-Ohio last year saw some interesting stuff with a lot of guys not doing the heat race, etc.
The AMA is "the show". Jessica works hard. Nothing more to say about that. She might not always make the field, but she puts in the effort. Comparing her speed to years ago, yeah, she has gotten faster.
Steve Vasbloom... :biggrin:
Who were those other chicks with Kathleen Coburn? They were at Gateway in around '88, and the weren't that awful. They tried to qualify for Suzuka that one year, but missed it. I think that race was different than it was now. Was always cool to go to Mid-Ohio because a bunch of guys would be wearing their special Suzuka leathers and stuff. John Choat and the guy that used to ride the Britten got ninth in 1991 or so...that was cool. I always thought it was funny that 1/4ley and Randy Renfro could ride together...big guy and a little guy.
Its all about economics and selling bikes on Monday. Who really gives a shit where she finishes. Shave you're legs,, put on a skirt, and go ride a Kawasaki! Or just get a big glass of shut the f... up and have a nice day!
:biggrin:
Quote - "But to my question, this isn't her first year either. She barely qualifies and is usually last. After 3 years of this she hasn't improved one bit. Give someone worthy a shot."
Others have, I believe, made the point very well...she's earned it. But considering your statement...if she were to quit, then the next slowest qualifier might "barely qualify", and someone else would be last. So then get rid of them. And then someone else would barely qualify, and...I think you see where this is going. How exciting is a 2 bike grid?
Sure, it would be great if she were faster; I'm sure she'd like to be faster. But she's out there doing her best, and most of us would trade places with her in a second...even if we'd usually finished last.
Guess I'm a fan or somethin'. :thumb:
Quote from: r1owner on June 04, 2007, 09:30:37 PM
Dude, don't tempt Dave!
Tempt Dave? Hell he already does that.:biggrin:
OK... I'm not a regular here on the CCS board, but was directed here for this convo, and as a 'getting faster' girl, I can't help but throw my opinion out there.
First of all... fast girls are a rarity, and if she is on that grid, then she is fast enough. And, as said many times already, she is marketable, which is a big part of this game.
Everyone has made some really good points about how she is with the fans, etc... but the main thing I wanted to point out is that she is factory SUPPORTED, not a full factory rider. I was at the races this weekend, and for anybody else that was there, did you notice her huge pit crew, factory hauler, or any of that? No, because she doesnt have it. I have no idea how much support she actually gets, but I can tell you that I watched her taking her own wheels off, hauling tires over to the Pirelli rig, and riding her bike onto pit road... instead of relaxing before the race, having the crew do all of the work, then having somebody wheel her bike onto hot pit, hook up the warmers, start it and warm it up. She did a lot of it herself. Sure, she had a couple of guys helping her out... they could've been Kawi guys or it could've been her boyfriend... i dont know. But I do know that she was working all day long, down to breaking down her pit at the end of the day.
She's getting the support for doing the job. She qualified and brought the bike home in one piece, so I told her she did a good job. She is one of the few backmarkers that has a name... to a lot of people, so why not? I even remember pointing out to one of the girls in the suites.... As they were heading for their warm up lap on Sunday, the commentator, of course mentioned a lot of the front runners, but one of the only back row riders he mentioned was Jessica.
I thought it was great seeing 2 girls out there in that race. Neither of them did spectacular, but they both qualified and they both finished.
One day, I too hope to be as slow and as marketable as Jessica!
-Nichole
we really need to spread these good threads out we got two good ones going then in two days nothing.i'm sure there's faster woman out there maybe slow lap times would draw them out to compete as in i'm a girl and i beat JZ at mid ohio on my brothers bike type of thing .now you got a yamaha girl .who cares who wins if you ain't in the top 7 or 8 your loosing your asssssss. and dave your showing your age I remember my boss ridding a BMW at suzuka I think they got 16th one year does that make me old?
Good job Mike RBM! :lmao:
(https://www.ccsforum.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.pacifichighlander.postkiwi.com%2Fimages%2FCan-of-worms.jpg&hash=3990782f1e6e3d612a67e46301fe9ff0abebdba4)
Two things I'll say. I see both sides and agree with both points. . .
A female racer who's good with the fans is a great person to sponsor! Anyone who gives your product positive exposure is money well spent.
I see Mike's point too. Correct me if I'm wrong but this is (or should be) racing. I know, I know. . . "Win on Sunday! Sell on monday!" but c'mon, Jessica isn't the only option and she doesn't seem to improve after these years. I think that it's frustrating to watch an "also ran" get that type of support when there is a lot of real talent out there.
Carry on. . . :pop:
WABBIT SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Why does anyone race? The answer is universal. GET OVER IT. :blahblah: :blahblah: :blahblah:
My guess is anyone would be willing to be sponsered by anyone in AMA even if they were going to be a back marker. Everyone has been lucky to just happen to be in the right spot at the right time. Maybe yours was to get that promotion at work, or won a raffle, got a killer deal on a new car, bought a house cheap because the market sucked. (Anyone want a killer deal on a house in C.R., IA?) Or maybe yours is yet to come. Let her have her glory while she can and quite sobbing that it isn't you.
DUCK SEASON!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I invite anyone and everyone to come race against JZ at BIR she is a very active member in the CRA and from what i hear goes very well there. In may when i raced against her she had bike trouble all weekend but im sure she will be ready in June some come all and show us how fast your really are.
June 16-17 BIR $85 practice day on Friday
Brainerd MN
Hey, I'm slow and cute. even did deals gap in a thong (see avatar)
I want a ride.
I don't think that it matters either way. If she makes the grid she earns the spot. If she doesn't, well then, she doesn't. If someone cries loud enough is the team going to can her and hire them??? Likely not.
In the end it all comes down to money and marketing. If she can get noticed, then whatever she's on and the stickers stuck to it get noticed as well. And that's what it's all about. Get a sex change and a boob job and you could do the very same thing.
It sounds horrible, but people that know me know it's true. I LOVE CHICKS THAT WANT TO GET AHEAD BASED ON SOMETHING OTHER THAN PURE RAW TALENT. Because now that I've put myself in a position to market, those that are marketable jump into bed a whole lot faster.
I'd back her 100%
In NASCAR there are teams that don't make the grid. They have marketable positions still as they are commited to the series. They have drivers that will move up, possibly, in their ability to drive in Busch or Nextel. It's not for everyone.
Will Jessica always race? Who knows? Maybe she's positioning her program to where she can develop riders for her program. I can think of quite a few other programs that have gone this route. I doubt that she has ideas of grandure in winning an AMA event, although we'd all love to have the opportunity to try.
Honestly, I think it's good for AMA Pro Racing to have riders that don't make the grid. It deepens the field. I remember when we had big AMA grids in the early 90's. At Daytona, there were 104 riders trying to make the 80 bike field for 600 Supersport. There wasn't a need for a percentage rule.
whys is she racing AMA and why does she get kawi support? 3 pages later and you're still talking about her, aren't you? that's why.
:biggrin: :thumb:
Quote from: racer911 on June 06, 2007, 09:30:30 AM
whys is she racing AMA and why does she get kawi support? 3 pages later and you're still talking about her, aren't you? that's why.
If we put Corky from "Life Goes On" on an AMA bike we would all be talking about that for more than 3 pages too. ::)
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Let me try to get this back on track. From my first post all I asked was Why is Jessica Zalusky racing AMA? I didn't ask why not me. I haven't been involved in any on track fun for a few years due to commitments of life. Bills, mortgage and everything else. I know some of you are trying to be the hero. :rollseyes:
I thought I had a valid question and some of you answered it. Some of you chose to reply with mindless, unfunny and pointless comments. :jerkoff: I said I thought it was good a woman was out there but didn't know why a consistently slow, never improving rider would keep getting the ride. I get that she's marketable but so are alot of others. I just couldn't figure it out. I guess I was looking for a reason like she was fast before she got hurt or because she won WERA's national something. From the majority of responses no one seems to really know why either.
Thanks to those who replied with actual input and to the few retards who obviously can't read and thought this was about me crying :finger:
Sorry honkey.
I think a lot of the bad vib you're getting comes from the fact that there seems to be some level of support for racing in general.
Until her being slow causes you to lose a shoot out with Ben Spies cutting through lapped traffic coming to the checkered flag; does it really matter???
Quote from: mike_rbm on June 06, 2007, 11:50:03 AM
Let me try to get this back on track. From my first post all I asked was Why is Jessica Zalusky racing AMA? I didn't ask why not me. I haven't been involved in any on track fun for a few years due to commitments of life. Bills, mortgage and everything else. I know some of you are trying to be the hero. :rollseyes:
No it aint about being the hero coming to JZ's rescue. (she probably wouldn't take the ride on anybody's white horse anyway.) It's about the committment and work she has put into her career.
Some years ago when I first got on a track she was there at Road America, with beat to shit leathers and a beat to shit machine. Practicing while the rest of us wanna-bes were doing a Keith Code school. She was cool. She was working on something called racecraft with investments in time, energy, and money. She obviously got her Expert license and qualified for an AMA license.
Getting the AMA license gets her into qualifying. A shot at the grid. Pretty simple really, except you have forgotten to factor in all the time and energy it takes to get that far, with the possibilty of NOT qualifying and going home. Are you saying you have some insider info that she's been given a free pass on the qualifying cutoff?
I have bills and a mortgage too, and a gazillion other excuses I could use for not racing. Now, calling a handfull of racers ..." retards" who support this sport and a female racer is truly exhibiting exactly who HAS had a retarded moment. I think you just need to get back on a grid. (no, NESBA does not have grids.) :thumb:
:cheers:
Quote from: mike_rbm on June 06, 2007, 11:50:03 AM
Let me try to get this back on track. From my first post all I asked was Why is Jessica Zalusky racing AMA? I didn't ask why not me. I haven't been involved in any on track fun for a few years due to commitments of life. Bills, mortgage and everything else. I know some of you are trying to be the hero. :rollseyes:
Thanks to those who replied with actual input and to the few retards who obviously can't read and thought this was about me crying :finger:
Let's keep this simple,
BECAUSE SHE CAN
Is that not a good enough reason?
I have personally raced against Jessica at the National level. She is more than qualified to be on the grid. If she makes the cut off, by god, there darned well better be a spot for her.
It is harder and harder to make an AMA grid as it is. If you can qualify within 110% you deserve to be there. WTF does gender have to do with it?
Quote from: mike_rbm on June 06, 2007, 11:50:03 AM
blah blah blah
Wow. I don't even know where to start. How may AMA events have you qualified for?
Do you have any clue how hard it is to get on that grid? Jessica did a 2:30.7 to qualify at RA. That's pretty damn fast.
Quote from: JBraun on June 07, 2007, 11:18:58 AM
Do you have any clue how hard it is to get on that grid? Jessica did a 2:30.7 to qualify at RA. That's pretty damn fast.
I dunno man... 2:30.7 will barely get you a top 10 in CCS.
Quote from: Jeff on June 07, 2007, 12:13:32 PM
I dunno man... 2:30.7 will barely get you a top 10 in CCS.
So, there are a lot of fast guys in the midwest that did not show up to race the AMA National. Locals rule for sure.
Quote from: Jeff on June 07, 2007, 12:13:32 PM
I dunno man... 2:30.7 will barely get you a top 10 in CCS.
Right, but that's still pretty respectable.
This guy is saying that she'd get smoked on an amateur grid, or by other girls in nesba ::)
A 2:30 is a respectable time as a mid-pack club-level expert, and is generally capable of making the grid in an AMA race, but in my personal opinion, it's no barn-burner... Sub 2:28's are getting there at the club level. And for clarification, I'm NOT saying I'm fast. I can run 2:29's - 2:30's pretty consistently and think I have a high 28 as a fastest lap (but would have to check my records). I'm sure Jessica would give me a run for my money and in all likelihood beat me. But again, I'm a top-10 guy at the club-expert level, I'm not a podium contender on most days.
Smoked by amateurs? No. Not in my estimation. A 2:30 would likely put you on the box at Road A as an AM.
Regardless, as I said and did most of us, if you have the license and the money, you're entitled to qualify. If you qualify, you're entitled to race. That simple...
Quote from: JBraun on June 07, 2007, 09:43:38 PM
Right, but that's still pretty respectable.
This guy is saying that she'd get smoked on an amateur grid, or by other girls in nesba ::)
blah blah blah kiddo. ::) Not what I said. I said alot of others are faster in both CCS and even NESBA. Two years ago there was a small group (3?) girls that were advanced and were absolutely killing out at Blackhawk. All 1:17 and 1:18 second laps and the one slightly older woman dipped into the 15s a few times. Not record setting but impressive.
It's obvious Jessica's well liked and has the finances to back her racing career. Didn't start off to be a rip fest on her. I didn't understand why that level (man or woman - local or not) racer would still be out there. I got some valid, intelligent answers that got their point across. I also got the stupid answers telling me I'm jealous, asking me how many AMAs I qualified for and telling me I'm not a supporter of racing. :err:
So now I kind of get it. I may not agree with certain reasons why people can or can not compete but I see the bigger picture. :kissy:
o'h no we're petering out at 53 i'm going back to the road america practice issue
Kathleen's partner in crime was Canadian Toni Sharpless. I remember her coming down to Loudon a few times and crushing more than just a handful of male egos on the track. :thumb: They had a T-shirt with their pictures on it and underneath it said, "Not Just A Couple Of Pit Tootsies". The guy who set up the mobile welding shop in the paddock at Daytona wore that shirt until it rotted right off of his back.
Kathleen and Toni joined up with a French woman and entered the endurance race at LeMans (Don't remember if LeMans or Bol d'Or race) They finished in the top ten overall.
=========================
Dale Quarterley had some good teammates. He refered to himself and Randy Renfrow as "Mutt and Jeff". When he teamed up with Sadowski, he got biblical and called the team "David and Goliath". When Formula USA came up with their team concept a few years back, he got together with Scott Gray to form "The Farm Team", explaining that they were "Two pigs on a Duc and a Kaw"! :biggrin:
i get a kick and a half out of seeing chicks at races and track days. egos do get soooo torn up when a pony tail goes zipping past a dude. a lap later the dudes laid out in the grass from trying to keep up.
I hope that everyone remembers that at this last RA event we are referring to, it rained, it rained, it rained.... Group 1 was completely wet and Group 2 got about 2 minutes for a quick lap if you had a crew to get your tires changes quickly. This made the grid qualifying time look really weird, so much so that the AMA swapped the positions and put a lot of privateers behind factory riders even though they out qualified them.
Quote from: Court Jester on June 10, 2007, 09:18:30 AM
i get a kick and a half out of seeing chicks at races and track days. egos do get soooo torn up when a pony tail goes zipping past a dude. a lap later the dudes laid out in the grass from trying to keep up.
I don't mind, not even by pink bikes
:biggrin:
I chatted with here briefly a few times at the Nesba event prior to the AMA races. She was very polite and spoke with me when she had time. She qualifies, she rides, she loves the sport.
I wouldn't mind being on the back of an AMA grid someday.
:pop: :biggrin:
Think about how much faster anyone of us would be with a factory bike and all the track time we could dream of!!!If it were my money I'd invest in a racer with tallent and who shows improvement.
I so didn't want to comment....but....
She doesn't have a factory bike. She is a privateer with some support, not as much support as you might think. The fact that you all think she gets much more is a testament to how she carries herself.
Now lets hear the negative comments from those of you who actually qualify and finish in front of Jessica at AMA races.
If you don't have your AMA license yet feel free to do as Rob said and grid up against her at a CRA race. That is the club she races with and they race at Brainerd. At least then you'll have an idea of what her riding skill is really like compared to your own. Maybe you'll be able to talk about her shortcomings, which you noticed as you passed her...or maybe you'll come away with a different point of view.
I admit, I sometimes had some of the same questions about some of the riders that I consistently saw at the back of the AMA grids. The one rider that specifically comes to mind is JJ Roetlin. I used to think, what is that guy doing out there. He's just barely qualifying. He did improve year after year and eventually became not only a consistent qualifier but a decent finisher. Now I'm sorry to see him gone. I definitely have a new perspective now that I have run my first couple of AMA races. It is definitely a whole different experience. I haven't had butterflies in years, but qualifying definitely brings back nervous emotions that I thought were long gone. It's not as easy as it looks from the cheap seats I assure you.
Yeah, this whole discussion brings to mind when Tez got the opportunity of a lifetime when Jordan approached him to ride for his team. Everyone thought they had a blank check and as such had it 'easy'.
Truth was, Casmay and Tez had to work to help start that team from scratch, albeit with some very good support, and a decent budget for AMA newbies. Even so, it was hard work, and he still needed to focus on the riding. People still question his skill, which was pretty decent for a club racer, and not too shabby for a privateer. Add to the the fact that he rode injured much of the time, and the haters were like piranhas.
Some people just don't get the concept, and perhaps, never will.
where is JJ? I remember him from MAM at Pridmore's school....that and the pink bike is hard to forget
Quote from: Racingxtc7 on June 19, 2007, 12:53:10 AM
Think about how much faster anyone of us would be with a factory bike and all the track time we could dream of!!!
I missed the smilie on your joke here... Surely you can't be serious.
Quote from: Racingxtc7 on June 19, 2007, 12:53:10 AM
Think about how much faster anyone of us would be with a factory bike and all the track time we could dream of!!!If it were my money I'd invest in a racer with tallent and who shows improvement.
:blahblah:
Quote from: wolf44 on June 19, 2007, 08:15:46 AM
where is JJ? I remember him from MAM at Pridmore's school....that and the pink bike is hard to forget
Pursuing his journalism career.....
I am a few days late but I have to add something here
I know Jessica farely well at the track. Being one of the few Team Green Supported riders, I had the pleasure to hang around, race against, and helped her at AMA nationals.
I don't feel the need and defend or justify her riding skills. She qualifies for races and and she goes faster than other pros. What I am going to point out is how hard she works to put on a good show for the fans, for PR, and for the promoting our our sport. For each of you who question why is she getting support and racing, there are thousands of people who were brought to this sport by her involvment.
I was at Barber and happened to be in her pit when she was on track and I talked to over 20 fans who came looking for her during a 50 minute session. How cool is that? she takes her time signing autographs, talking to kids, give time to everyone... I can't say I know more than a handful of AMA Pros who spends more time with fans than she does. and those are not friends, they are fans, real fans, people who knew nothing more than her racing persona.
There was a point in time I spent time defending my laptimes, or my finishes, or my failing to qualify, but you know, it all gets old. All I know is I, and everyone else who has ever received a AMA license, that we paid our dues, in money and blood, to get there and to be on that grid.
How many club racers can say that they spent 100% of their effort to pursue a dream? I gave up my corporate career to pursue racing and spent my savings to get far. and if you actually knew her or many other privateers, it would be similar stories. It takes a special someone with a special drive to achieve a racing dream, thats why you see most people make it to expert then quit.
some comments hurts to read, even if it wasn't directed toward me. But in the end, Jessica is the one with the support program and signing autographs to many adoring fans at the nationals... so I guess she doesn't need any defending after all, because, she is living the good life, and I wish nothing but the very best for her and her racing. I just need to work on my program a lil more so I can rejoin the paddock next year.
Thanks for the space...
:thumb:Well said!
She is living a dream and who here wouldn't jump at the chance? More power to her. She also has a huge fan base and does a better job promoting than a majority of the riders out there. I saw a report that the largest area of growth in motorcycles right now is women buying bikes for themselves. Let's face it we all know who she is....name the riders outside the top 10 that finished in front of her at her last race??? Obviously Kawi knows this and why their spending the money with Jessica. I met her down at Barber at a Nesba track day last year. Many of our Advanced riders were getting around her but that didn't slow her entusiasm or take the smile off her face. She is "Good People" and I wish her well. The more our sport grows the better it is for us all.
Quote from: r6_philly on June 25, 2007, 07:19:14 PM
I am a few days late but I have to add something here
I know Jessica farely well at the track. Being one of the few Team Green Supported riders, I had the pleasure to hang around, race against, and helped her at AMA nationals.
I don't feel the need and defend or justify her riding skills. She qualifies for races and and she goes faster than other pros. What I am going to point out is how hard she works to put on a good show for the fans, for PR, and for the promoting our our sport. For each of you who question why is she getting support and racing, there are thousands of people who were brought to this sport by her involvment.
I was at Barber and happened to be in her pit when she was on track and I talked to over 20 fans who came looking for her during a 50 minute session. How cool is that? she takes her time signing autographs, talking to kids, give time to everyone... I can't say I know more than a handful of AMA Pros who spends more time with fans than she does. and those are not friends, they are fans, real fans, people who knew nothing more than her racing persona.
There was a point in time I spent time defending my laptimes, or my finishes, or my failing to qualify, but you know, it all gets old. All I know is I, and everyone else who has ever received a AMA license, that we paid our dues, in money and blood, to get there and to be on that grid.
How many club racers can say that they spent 100% of their effort to pursue a dream? I gave up my corporate career to pursue racing and spent my savings to get far. and if you actually knew her or many other privateers, it would be similar stories. It takes a special someone with a special drive to achieve a racing dream, thats why you see most people make it to expert then quit.
some comments hurts to read, even if it wasn't directed toward me. But in the end, Jessica is the one with the support program and signing autographs to many adoring fans at the nationals... so I guess she doesn't need any defending after all, because, she is living the good life, and I wish nothing but the very best for her and her racing. I just need to work on my program a lil more so I can rejoin the paddock next year.
Thanks for the space...
No. Thank you for the intelligent and well spoken reply! Makes 100% sense and I guess I agree with you! Thanks for opening my eyes.